Absolutely loved this gem of a Tavern in Highlands, NC. Kenny was our server and was most appreciated for his recommendations and insights into how best to decide on the menu. Had the jalapeno burger and a steak burger. Even took some Creme brulee cheesecake home. It is worth a visit and highly recommended. Be prepared to spend a few .

I have been going here since 2023 and it is still great! I have visited multiple times and can tell you it is probably the best restaurant in town. The sandwiches, salads, appetizers, desserts, and entrees are all amazing. The food is all fresh, seasoned generously, and you can tell the staff care about what they serve. It is a true gem and requires a special trip in my opinion. The drinks are excellent as well. They range from chuggable cocktails to sippable drinks that develop with time. Great beer and wine selection. The decor is an extension of the owners and staff. It's a cozy place so make sure to get in before it fills up too much. If a perfect bar could be created, this would be that place! Give them a visit, go back again and try something different. I have never been disappointed by the food, drink, or service!

As a restaurant owner with nearly 20 years in the business, I don’t take restaurant reviews lightly. In fact, I almost never write them—because, honestly, I don’t think the general public is qualified to truly evaluate what goes on behind the scenes in a professional kitchen. So for me to be writing this, you can trust it’s a big deal. We arrived in Highlands late in the evening, already aware that getting food would be tough. We grabbed McDonald’s for our four kids just to be safe, and I decided to swing by Highlands Tavern to see if there was any hope of a real meal. The moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly at the bar by a bartender—who I suspect may have been the owner. He handed me a menu, which turned out to be a drink list. When I asked about food, he apologized and told me the kitchen had closed over an hour ago. I thanked him for his time, told him I’d be back, and headed to my car. Then something happened that you just don’t see anymore: he ran out of the restaurant to stop me as I was backing out, saying, “Our chef bakes fresh focaccia every day—we’d love to at least send you home with something.” That gesture alone spoke volumes. I went back inside, noticed they had some new THC-infused drinks and ordered one to try. A few minutes later, the chef herself came out and offered—completely unprompted—to make me three menu items, which just so happened to be exactly the ones I had hoped to order. And let me tell you, the food was next-level. Perfectly executed, deeply flavorful, and clearly crafted with both skill and care. The kind of food that reminds you why you fell in love with restaurants in the first place. This kind of service and food, especially after hours, is practically unheard of today. Highlands Tavern is the real deal. Whether you’re dining in or catching lightning in a bottle like I did with takeout, make it a must-stop. You’ll be thinking about it long after you leave the mountains.

Went for a drink based on a recommendation. Ended up grabbing some food because everything coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled so good! Split the steak bruschetta with my husband and it was the best thing I ate all week! It was the last night of our trip, or I would have gone back daily.

First of all, can I say as a child of the 90’s that I really enjoyed the music here..? Is that weird? Anyway, the food was great and the people couldn’t have been nicer. Ryan, you’re awesome, thanks for talking to us and making our night. Overall, Highlands Tavern didn’t disappoint in the least. 100% would recommend.

Genuine staff and savory food. The chicken curry, Tuna, and salads with a protein are our favs — get the bacon app for a decadent treat. We’ve been a dozen times now and honestly it’s great every time. Getting a seat can be tough but it’s worth continuing to try.

Creative menu. Salads were pretty good. PLEASE NOTE, THE MENU CHANGES EVERY WEEK. if you like something from the Google pics, it may not be there on the menu when you visit. Small number of seats but that's a good thing. Chef seemed very interactive with customers. Send like lot of locals in the restaurant. It is so cool they are using bamboo plates.

All I can say is “WOW!” I wasn’t planning to leave a review, but we were blown away by our appetizer. The humus was literally the best we’ve ever had (and we order it almost anywhere that has it on the menu). And you can tell it was great because I almost forgot to take a picture.. The steak sandwich was absolutely amazing, the chicken sandwich was perfectly cooked, and so tender. The sides (glass noodles, and spicy cucumbers) were unreal as well. The slight Asian-influence really took things to the next level. The staff was amazing and so sincere. Drinks were great. Could not recommend this place enough. It’s seriously in my top 10 restaurants I’ve ever been to!